The site for the proposed night safari in Ormanjhi

Ranchi, Feb. 16: Deputy chief minister Sudesh Mahto, who also heads the forest and environment department, is keen to see that Ormanjhi block of the state capital is developed into a tourism hub since it is blessed with all that is required to attract visitors, namely a zoo, a crocodile park, forests, a river and waterfalls.

“Once tourism gets a boost, unemployment could be tackled to a considerable extent. I have just begun my third innings. The youth have a lot of expectations from me. We are trying our best to explore more such employment opportunities in other wings of the government as well,” Mahto said.

Mahto, who is from Silli on the outskirts of Ranchi, has already instructed his officials to prepare a blueprint for developing Ormanjhi.

Recently, he visited Birsa Zoological Park and observed that he would like it to be developed on the lines of Orissa's Nandankanan. He told officials about introducing a mono-rail in the park and a ropeway near the Getalsud dam. He was also interested to revive the night safari project which never took off.

Mahto, however, admitted that expansion projects would be difficult to execute at the zoo because of land scarcity. “But, Ranchi has the maximum potential to attract tourists from all over the world,” he said, referring to Ormanjhi’s long list of other potential attractions: the crocodile breeding centre, dense forest cover, river and the nearby Hundru, Sita and Jonha waterfalls.

He said some of these places had guest houses that could be developed as attractive resorts.

“Jharkhand's economy is greatly dependent on forests. In the recent past, eco-tourism has gained popularity all over the world. Jharkhand has one of the highest forest covers in the country. Let my officials submit a preliminary report. After that I will engage consultants,” he said.

The deputy chief minister, however, admitted that incorporating the idea in the next budget would be difficult. He would nevertheless try his best to make necessary provisions in subsequent budgets.

“We are beginning from scratch. Here, people want employment, but they are apprehensive of giving land to industry. Unemployment and Naxalism have given a boost to anti-socials. Curtailing non-Plan expenses is a big challenge all over the world, in every organisation. I am also trying to do something with my limited resources,” said Mahto.